Dow puts faith in RO for new Saudi venture

The US chemical company is using reverse osmosis to kick-start its new manufacturing park in the industrial city of Jubail. It is a sign of faith that the membrane desalination market in the Middle East is set to grow.

Global chemical giant Dow has given the Middle Eastern desal market a boost by choosing its FilmTec membrane line as the first technology to be produced at a new manufacturing centre in the industrial park it is developing in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Aramco.

The $20 billion Sadara joint venture recently announced between Dow and the national oil company will construct a...